Wrapping machine

ABSTRACT

A wrapping machine is provided having a combination which enables the wrapping machine to be run in a fully automatic condition. The web of wrapping material is joined to a tear strip and subsequently fed to a sheet applying work station where individual wrapper sheets are cut from the web and placed over a package. A cutting means is provided to form a slit configuration in the web of wrapping material. This configuration includes two perforations extending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip on either side thereof and a perforation that crosses the two longitudinal perforations. A moving means including primary pushing means and auxiliary pushing means is used to feed packages at predetermined intervals into the wrapping machine. Sensing means are provided to detect any irregular package feed condition being conveyed by the moving means with a first responsive means functioning to stop the moving of the packages within the machine. A heat sealing means is used in this combination and is operably connected to a second means that is responsive to any shut down condition in the wrapping machine to move the heat sealing means away from any package that is being sealed therewith thereby preventing burning of the package. Each of the specific elements provides a function that overcomes various problems associated with wrapping machines now available in the prior art. There are several individual features set forth in the separate embodiments of this invention.

United States Patent Anderson et al.

[15] 3,656,273 1 Apr. 18, 1972 Primary E.taminerTravis S. McGeheeAttorneyMarkva & Smith [57] ABSTRACT A wrapping machine is providedhaving a combination which enables the wrapping machine to be run in afully automatic condition. The web of wrapping material is joined to atear strip and subsequently fed to a sheet applying work station whereindividual wrapper sheets are cut from the web and placed over apackage. A cutting means is provided to form a slit configuration in theweb of wrapping material. This configuration includes two perforationsextending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip on either sidethereof and a perforation that crosses the two longitudinalperforations. A moving means including primary pushing means andauxiliary pushing means is used to feed packages at predeterminedintervals into the wrapping machine. Sensing means are provided todetect any irregular package feed condition being conveyed by the movingmeans with a first responsive means functioning to stop the moving ofthe packages within the machine. A heat sealing means is used in thiscombination and is operably connected to a second means that isresponsive to any shut down condition in the wrapping machine to movethe heat sealing means away from any package that is being sealedtherewith thereby preventing burning of the package. Each of thespecific elements provides a function that overcomes various problemsassociated with wrapping machines now available in the prior art. Thereare several individual features set forth in the separate embodiments ofthis invention.

29 Claims, 27 Drawing Figures PATENTED APR 1 8 I972 SHEET 03 [1F Y2PATENTEDAPR 18 I972 SHEEI OBUF 12 PATENTEDAPR 18 I572 SHEET [NM 12 &\\\\I is PATfNTEwmeuerz 3,656,273

sum as or 12 BRAKE K CLUTCH CONTROL.

CIRCUIT ABNORMAL 8O wNDITION .i '9 NORMAL.

cowomou T 2| Tic 2 NORMAL CONDITION PATENTEDAPR 18 (972 SHEET DSBF 12 5LI/IIIIIIIl/IIIIIIIIIII wal PATENTEDAPR 18 m2 SHEET 10UF 12 PATENTEDAPR18 m2 SHEET llUF 12 PATENTEDAFR 18 1972 SHEET I'LLSSFLLLY STOP MOTORSTARTER START STOP START I23 E III I I n2 I l BRAKE B, CLUTCH CONTROLCIRCUlT IT.) I

SENSlNG DEVICE WRAPPING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wrappingmachines used for wrapping packages in a fully automatic manner are wellknown. In order to facilitate automatic operation of a wrapping machine,it is absolutely essential that any adverse condition within the machinebe promptly detected and the irregularity corrected before any damage isdone to the machine. Any shut down time of the machine is veryexpensive. Furthermore, any undetected damage to the machine during theoperation thereof may result in the production of defectively wrappedpackages. Heretofore, prior art wrapping machines have not beenobtaining full efficiency because the structural combinations have notbeen designed with an overall view of the adverse effects due to severalproblems.

Many prior art machines have separate improvements incorporated thereinfrom time to time to overcome specific difficulties or solve certainproblems associated therewith. The common type of wrapping machineincorporates the use of a turret wheel assembly. Numerous specificproblems have been associated with various portions of such wrappingmachines in the prior art. These problems have from time to time beensolved by various apparatus combinations. Reference is made to US. Pat.Nos. 2,373,655, 2,400,682, 2,837,978, 3,055,490, and 3,084,582 asexamples of specific problems and structures which have been designed toovercome certain specific problems.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is toprovide a total combination of structural elements which may be used incombination with a wrapping machine to enable the wrapping machine to berun automatically.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrapping machinethat is capable of running in fully automatic operation while overcomingmany problems associated with certain aspects of the wrapping machine.

It is a further object of this invention to solve a series of problemsall at once in a single wrapping machine thereby producing a synergisticeffect with respect to the efficiency attained while the machine is inoperation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to a wrapping machineincorporating a combination of assemblies which work together in such amanner as to enable a fully automatic operation. The combinationincludes an apparatus for making tear strip wrappers, pushing meansincluding a primary pusher member and an auxiliary pusher member, anapparatus for aligning a wrapper sheet on a package, and apparatus fordetecting and prevent ing irregular conditions within the wrappingmachine. Various specific details and functions of the differentembodiments will be fully described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects of this invention willappear in the following description and appended claims, reference beingmade to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specificationwherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in theseveral views.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view partially in section of a wrappingmachine incorporating the various features of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus made in accordance withthis invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the wrapping material illustrating successivecuts made in the wrapper and tear strip;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a cutter member used in the apparatus of FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cutter member having a pair of knife edges;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cutter member for cutting the tear strip;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 takenthrough the cutting members;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a pusher assembly made in accordance withthis invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pusher assembly urging apackage along a horizontal support;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pusher assembly of FIG. 1shown urging a package into a receiving means;

FIG. 11 is the pusher assembly of FIG. 8 shown at an advanced stage ofoperation;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 8 showingthe action of the auxiliary pushing means on the package;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 8showing the action of auxiliary pushing means in combination with aliquid applying device;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an alignment apparatus made in accordancewith this invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 14shown in relation to a sheet cutting mechanism of a wrapping machine;

FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing showing the operation of the detectingapparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing the detecting apparatus of FIG. 8in combination with an article handling machine;

FIGS. l8, l9, and 20 are partial circuit diagrams showing the operationof the detecting apparatus in FIG. 8 under normal conditions;

FIG. 2i is a partial circuit diagram showing the operation of theapparatus of FIG. 8 under irregular package feed conditions;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the actuating means for a heatsealing mechanism made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 22 shown inanother operational position;

FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view of a heat sealing mechanism shown in thesealing position;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus of FIG. 25 shown in ashut down position, and

FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram showing a starting feature made inaccordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS More specifically, FIG. I shows amachine which incorporates the combination made in accordance with thisinvention. The apparatus for making tear strip wrappers is generallydesignated 124. A pushing assembly made in accordance with thisinvention is generally designated 40. The location of an apparatus foraligning a wrapper sheet on a package is generally designated 62. Theapparatus for detecting and preventing irregular conditions within thewrapping machine is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 16 through 21.

The primary object of the incorporation of the assembly 124 is forproducing tear strip wrappers to be placed over packages moving throughthe machine. A cutting means is provided to form a slit configurationincluding two perforations 32 and 33 on either side of the tear stripmaterial It] and a perforation 31 that crosses the two longitudinalperforations 32 and 33. The apparatus assembly 124 is shown in FIG. 2.The feeding of the tear strip 10 and the wrapping material web 18 isaccomplished in a conventional way. The wrapping material web 18 comesoff the supply roll 17 and goes under the roll 19, passes upwardly overthe roll 22 and downwardly between the rollers 26 and 27. The web 18then passes through the cutting mechanism including the rotating cuttermember 29 which is mounted on the rotatable shaft 28. The

rotary knife 29 works in conjunction with the stationary knife 30 to cutsheets from the web 18. The sheets are subsequently used to wrappackages moving through the wrapping machine. A more specificdescription of a sheet feeding and cutting mechanism which may be usedin combination with the invention of this application is disclosed inUS. Pat. No. 2,837,978.

While the web 18 is being fed through the apparatus of this invention, atear strip material is fed downwardly from a supply roll 11 over guiderollers 12 and 13. As the ribbon 10 passes between the rollers 12 and13, a tension is effected therein before it passes onto the next stepsin the process. The ribbon 10 passes over a wick 15 which appliessolvent that is provided in the reservoir 14. After solvent application,the ribbon 10 passes in contact with the heating element 16 for thepurpose of evaporating the solvent. The ribbon 10 then passes over thepressure roll 22 at which location the tear strip ribbon 10 is glued ontop of the wrapping material web 18. A pressure roller 22a is used incombination with the roller 22 for the purpose of effecting a joining ofthe tear strip 10 and web 18.

The wrapping material 18 may be any type of film material such aspolypropylene, cellophane, any similar cellulose acetate material or anyequivalent substance. The tear strip 10 is made with any similarmaterial. However, the color of the tear strip may be different fromthat of the wrapping material 18.

A cutter member 21 which revolves with the shaft 20 is located adjacentthe roller 19 in this specific embodiment. This cutter member 21constitutes a first cutting means which is used to make the perforation31 in the web 18. The perforation 31 extends in a direction transverseto the direction of movement for the web 18 and strip 10. The strip 10is located on the web 18 at a position intermediate the perforation 31when passing between rollers 22 and 22a. A second cutting member 24 asshown in FIG. 5 includes cutting edges 36 and 37. The cutting member 24is mounted on the rotatable shaft 23 at a location wherein the cuttingedges 36 and 37 cut perforations 32 and 33, respectively, on either sideofthe strip 10. The cutting member 25, also mounted on the rotatableshaft 23, effects the cutting of the ribbon 10 at the perforation 34.The cutting member 25 cuts only through the tape 10 and not through theweb 18. The cut 34 in this instance is a diagonal cut across the widthof the tear strip 10.

A pair of perforations 32 and 33 cross the transverse perforation 31 andextends longitudinally with respect to the tear strip 10. The separationof the cutting members to a first and second cutting means therebyovercomes the disadvantages associated with the use ofa single H-cuttingmember which is now commonly used in the prior art. That is, a complete,clean cut is assured during the continuous operation of the wrappingmachine. it is evident that the location of the various cutting members21, 24 and 25 may be in different places with respect to each other. Theprimary limitation is that the cut made by the cutting member 21 formingthe perforation 31 must be effected before the tear strip 10 is joinedto the web of material 18. It is apparent that the location of thecutting members 21 and 24 with respect to each other may be varied.Obviously, however, other backing rollers would have to be inserted ifthe cutting members 21 and 24 were located at different points in theapparatus combination.

The roller 22 is grooved to effect the cuts desired in the web material.The structure of the backup rollers 19 and 22 is common in the priorart. They can be made of metal or any other kind of metal material whichprovides a solid backup for cutting the grooves in the wrapping materialweb 18.

Since it is possible that the web 18 may be perforated at the same timethat the tear tape 10 is cut, the pressure existing between the roller22 and the cutter member 25 is adjusted so that it will only cut thetear tape 10. if desired, it is possible to reverse the position of thecutter member 24 with respect to the cutter member 25.

The primary object of the package feed assembly is to insure properseating of the package in a wrapping machine receiving means. Inaddition, the assembly generally designated 40 insures satisfactoryapplication of liquid to the wrapping material for forming a completelysealed and wrapped package. The pushing assembly 40 includes a pair ofendless chains 41 and a plurality of transverse pusher members 42 and43. The pusher members 42 and 43 are fixedly attached to the chains 41.The primary pusher member 42 engages the following side of the package44. The auxiliary pushing member 43 is disposed behind the primarypusher member 42 As the endless chain 41 moves forward, the primary andauxiliary pushing members 42 and 43, respectively, travel in the forwarddirection behind the package 44 to a wrapper sheet applying station. Thewrapper sheet applying station is not shown in the instant case and doesnot form a part of this invention. Any conventional manner of applying awrapper sheet onto a package may be used in combination with the pusherassembly 40. A mechanism for feeding and cutting wrapper sheets to beplaced over packages is shown in US. Pat No. 2,837,978.

The package 44 moves along the support platfonn 73 while being urged tothe wrapper sheet applying station. The endless chains 41 move along achannel 46. The manner in which the endless chains 41 move through themechanism is another conventional structure heretofore known in theprior art. The wrapper sheet material may be cellophane or any otherfilm material. Each of the endless chains 41 engage sprockets 59 whichare laterally spaced with respect to each other and located adjacent awrapping machine receiving means.

The receiving means in this specific embodiment constitutes a turretwheel assembly 53. The turret wheel assembly 53 has a plurality ofradial pockets as is well known in the prior art. See in particular US.Pat Nos. 3,055,490 and 2,373,655. The chain 41 which is used to pushpackages into the turret wheel assembly 53 is constantly driven. Thespeed of the turret wheel assembly 53 is correlated with the speed ofthe chain drive 41. This operation involves synchronization to effectthe desired packaging. The turret wheel stops for one-third of the cycleand it is moving for two-thirds of the cycle. During the one-third ofthe cycle is when the package 44 is being inserted into the pocket andliquid material is being placed on the projecting end of the wrappersheet. Each pocket is formed by the pocket members 54 and 55 whichsupport the package 44 within the turret wheel assembly 53. The primarypusher member 42 is effective to urge the package 44 into the receivingmeans constituted by the pocket members 54 and 55. As the sprocketsrotate and carry the endless conveyor chains 41 in a differentdirection, the auxiliary pusher member 43 is allowed to contact thepackage 44. in this way, pusher member 43 is effective to insure a firmseating of the package 44 in place within the pocket of the turret wheelassembly 53.

The pocket members 54 and 55 engage the package 44 adjacent one endthereof. Similar pocket members engage the package 44 at the other endthereof. A folding platform 56 is disposed between the sets of pocketmembers forming each pocket in the turret wheel assembly 53. Thestationary platform member 56 is fixedly mounted onto the wrappingmachine with the frame structure 560.

A stationary liquid applying device 60 is disposed adjacent thereceiving means in this specific embodiment. The stationary liquidapplying device 60 includes a vertically disposed working member 61which is moistened with either a solvent liquid or an adhesive material.As the conveyor chains 41 change the direction of travel of the primarypushing member 42 and auxiliary pushing member 43, each pusher member 42and 43 comes into successive contact with the lower projecting end 58 ofthe wrapper sheet which has been placed around the package 44. Theauxiliary pushing member 43 becomes effective to insure an additionalthorough application of liquid from the liquid applying wick 61.

The stationary platform 56 provides a place against which the auxiliarypushing member 43 folds the projecting end 58 of the wrapper sheet. Asthe endless chains 41 continue to move around the axially aligned andlaterally spaced sprockets 59, the auxiliary pusher member 43 exerts anadditional force onto the projecting end against the wick 61. Thisaction insures full and complete application of either a solventmaterial or an adhesive material to the end 58 for subsequent joining ofthe ends 57 and 58 around the following end of the package 44. The stepby step operation of the pushing assembly 40 made in accordance withthis invention is sequentially shown in FIGS. through 13.

The wrapper sheet alignment apparatus is generally designated 62 andincludes a control roller or roller member 63 rotatably mounted on ashaft 64. The primary object of this apparatus is to provide a means forshifting the position of a wrapper sheet that is placed contiguous to apackage which is moving through the wrapping machine made in accordancewith this invention. Many obvious advantages are associated with theincorporation of the wrapper sheet alignment apparatus 62 in thewrapping machine of this invention. The longitudinal axis of the rollermember 63 extends transversely to the direction of package 44 movementalong the support platform 73 of the wrapping machine. The shaft 64 isattached to a lever member 65 which pivots about the pin 66. The pin 66also connects the lever arm member 65 to the structure of the supportplatform 73. The lever member 65 pivots in the manner shown by thedouble headed arrow about the pin 66. This movement is effected throughthe use of a rod assembly which extends to an operating side of thewrapping machine. The rod assembly includes a rod member 67 that isrotatably attached to a pin member 69 with a coupling unit 70. The rod67 is threaded and is inserted into the threaded socket portion of thecoupling unit 70. A knurled knob 68 is threaded onto the other end ofthe rod 67 to cause the rod 67 to be adjusted along its longitudinalaxis. A spring member 72 is disposed between the wrapping machinestructure 79 and an abutment 71 located on the rod 67. This spring 72provides a biasing force which is transmitted to the roller member 63through the pivoting action of the assembly 62 about pins 66 and 69.

The control roller 63 is comprised of a resilient material which iseffective to frictionally grip the material of the wrapper sheet 75disposed on the package 44. The resilient material of the roller member63 may be rubber or any other equivalent material.

A plate member 74 is mounted at a spaced distance from the supportplatform 73. A wrapper sheet 75 is cut from a web 76 of wrappingmaterial through the action of a stationary cutting member 77 and arotating cutting member 78. The specific manner in which the wrappersheet 75 is cut from the web 76 is well known in the prior art and doesnot form a part of this invention. A sheet feeding and cutting mechanismwhich may be used in combination with the aligning apparatus ofthisinvention is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,837,978. When the apparatus ofthis invention is used with these prior art combinations, the rollermember 63 steers the film or web of wrapping material before the knifecuts it off. Such a relationship is shown in FIG. 15.

A package 44 is moved through the wrapper sheet 75 by the pushingassembly 40 so that the wrapping material is draped across the advancedend and two opposite sides of the package 44. The control roller 63 islocated right after the package 44 has passed through the sheet 75 sothat the frictional gripping of the wrapper 75 by the roller 63 willimmediately shift the position of the wrapper sheet on the package 44.Once any wrapper sheet has been folded, it is difficult to shift itsposition on the package 44. The plate member 74 is spaced at aneffective distance from the support platform 73 so that when the package44 passes therebetween, a pressure is exerted between the roller member63 and one of the sides of the package 44. This pressure is additionalto that caused by the weight of the package. This additional pressureaids in effecting movement of the wrapper sheet 75 once it has beendraped over the package 44. The plate member 74 also holds the wrappersheet 75 on the package 44 as it is passed from the sheet applyingstation to a subsequent receiving means in the wrapping machine. Acommon receiving means which may be used in combination with theapparatus of this invention is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,055,490 and2,373,655 illustrating the use of a turret wheel assembly.

The spring member 72 provides a tensioning effect when the roller member63 is pivoted about its central axis by the rod assembly. The rotatingof the knurled knob 68 effects a control of this pivoting action of theroller member 63 about its central axis. The biased movement of thecylindrically shaped roller member 63 about its central axis providesthe necessary shifting means to place the wrapper sheet 75 in itsdesired position with respect to the package 44. That is, the positionof the wrapper sheet 75 is skewed with respect to the package 44.

Generally, the apparatus of this invention incorporates both electricalcircuit means and mechanical means to provide the necessary functions.

An electrical circuit for effecting a sequential starting of the machineprovides current to the motor (not numbered) which drives the machine.Means is provided for preparing the machine to run. In FIG. 27 on thesecond horizontal line, a start button is pushed to energize the coil106. When the coil 106 is energized, the contact relay 107 is turned onand the start button 105 may be released. This is a lock-in magneticcircuit. This type of circuit is well known in the prior art and doesnot form a part of this invention. However, there is a combination ofcircuits and other devices which does provide novel means forsequentially starting the machine as shown in FIG. 1. When coil 106 isenergized, the motor begins to run and the coil or contact relay 109 isactivated. This arms the motor and prepares for the machine to startrunning.

Upon the pushing of the start button 111, the coil 112 is energized andthe contact or coil relay 113 is activated. This is another lock-inmagnetic circuit enabling the release of the start button while enablingthe machine to continue its run. When the coil 112 is energized, thecoil relay is activated as shown in the parallel circuit below the brakeand clutch control circuit.

In the first horizontal line of the circuit diagram in FIG. 27, adetector used to sense an irregular package feed condition is located.The switch 82 represents a clutch mechanism that starts the feedmechanism to operate. Once this feed mechanism is started and is runningcontinuously, the coil 83 is energized. Upon energizing the coil 83, thecoil relays 84 and 108 are activated thereby preparing the circuit forstarting the motor by way of the magnetic circuit including the button105, coil 106 and contact relay 107. At the same time that the coilrelay 84 is activated by coil 83, the coil relay 114 is activated in thebrake and clutch control circuit. For this reason, there is a completedcircuit through the brake and clutch control device as soon as the startbutton 111 is depressed. In other words, the current is allowed to flowthrough the brake and clutch control circuit thereby empowering themachine to run.

It is seen that this sequential procedure for starting up the motorenables the operator to consider all areas of the machine before themachine is placed in a fully automatic operational condition.

It is noted that when the start button 111 is pressed, the timer switch117 immediately closes thereby providing an additional parallel path forelectrical current to flow in the brake and clutch control circuit. Thisspecific electrical circuit means including the timer 117, the coilrelay 116 and microswitch 86 is used to effect a retracting of a heatsealing means away from a package to avoid burning of the package. Inthis specific embodiment, a turret wheel assembly 53 is used to receivepackages. A heat sealing means constituted by a heater element 102 inFIGS. 25 and 26 is located adjacent the turret wheel assembly 53 at aheat sealing working station. The microswitch 86 as shown in FIGS. 22and 23 is activated between an open and closed position by virtue of theoscillating cam 92. The heating and folding mechanism 87 includes rods90 and 91 which operate levers 89 and 88, respectively to oscillate theheating element 102 and folding member 103 between the positions shownin FIGS. 25 and 26. When the cam position as shown in FIG. 22 exists,the heater element 102 and folder member 103 are in the position asshown in FIG. 25. When the cam is in the position as shown in FIG. 23,the heater element I02 and folder member 103 are in the position asshown in FIG. 26. If, for any reason, the parallel circuit of FIG. 27including the coil relay 114 and coil relay 115 is deactivated, theparallel line including the timer switch 117, coil relay U6 andmicroswitch 86 will enable current to be maintained as long as themicroswitch 86 remains closed. The closed position is shown in FIG. 22and FIG. 25. Therefore, current will continue to flow and the machinewill continue to run until such time that the heater 102 and folder 103move away from the package as shown in FIG. 26 and the microswitch 86 isopened by virtue of its movement on the cam surface as shown in FIG. 23.At that time, the total circuit within the brake and clutch circuit asshown in FIG. 27 will be opened and the machine will stop running.

The manner in which the heater element and folder arm is moved throughits mechanical arrangement is shown in FIG. 24. The heater arm 89 isfixedly mounted on the shaft 94 and oscillates the heater 102 back andforth. The folder arm 88 is coaxially arranged with respect to the shaft94 and moves the folder arm 96 back and forth. This assembly is attachedto the frame 93 by virtue of the anchor part 97 and bolt 98. Bushings 99and 100 enable the folder am 96 to oscillate with respect to shaft 94.The cam 92 is seen to be fixedly mounted onto the shaft 94 and thereforeoscillates with the heater element 102.

The pusher and detecting assembly generally designated 40 as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 include a sensing means 49. As a package 44 moves over theroller 49, the member pivots about the pin 50 and opens the circuit byway of the switch means SI. The packages are delivered in apredetermined interval. Synchronized with this predetermined interval isa cam surface 81 that is rotatably mounted in a H relationship. That is,for each cycle of the wrapping machine, the shaft revolves the camsurface 81 one time. The cam operates the cam switch 80 which may belocated at any desired place on the wrapping machine. In this particularembodiment, it is located on the feed chain drive shaft (not numbered).Its particular location is not important. Its specific function isextremely important. The cam surface 81 causes the second switch 80 toopen and close in synchronization with the opening and closing of thefirst switch 51. When at least one of these switches 51 or 80 is closedduring normal package feed condition, the conveyor chains 41 continue tooperate. However, when both of the switches 51 and 80 are open during anabnormal package feed condition, the conveyor chains 41 are stopped. Thechains 4] stop when the machine stops running in this embodiment. Atypical abnormal package feed condition is shown in FIG. 8 wherein twopackages 47 and 48 are fed into the machine at the same time. Thiscauses both switches to be opened as shown in FIG. 21. When these twoswitches 51 and 80 are open, the coil 83 is de-energized therebyde-energizing the coil relay 84 and a coil relay in the circuit of thebrake and clutch circuit 85. In this specific embodiment, the coil relay114 is deactivated to stop the running of the machine.

It is seen that although the irregular feed condition detector and thedelayed retracting system for the heat sealing means are shown incombination, they may also be used separately.

While the wrapping machine has bed described in detail, it is obviousthat this invention is not to be considered as being limited to theexact form disclosed, and that changes in detail and construction may bemade therein within the scope of the invention, without departing fromthe spirit thereof.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, whatis claimed is:

1. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising:

a. cutting means to form a slit configuration in a web of wrappingmaterial,

material,

c. said slit configuration including two perforations extendinglongitudinally with respect to the tear strip on either side thereof anda perforation that crosses the two longitudinal perforations,

d. means for moving at least one package in a forward direction oftravel from a package supplying work station to a wrapper sheet applyingwork station,

e. said moving means including primary pushing means and auxiliarypushing means, said auxiliary pushing means being disposed behind saidprimary pushing means,

f. means for receiving said package after a wrapper sheet has beenapplied across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the package,

g. said primary pushing means being effective to urge said package intosaid receiving means and said auxiliary pushing means being effective toinsure a firm seating of the package in place within said receivingmeans,

h. means located at said sheet applying work station for shifting theposition of the sheet of wrapping material after being contiguouslyplaced on a package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respectto the package,

i. sensing means located before the receiving means to detect anirregular package feed condition being conveyed by said moving means,

j. first means responsive to said sensing means to stop the moving ofthe packages into the receiving means,

k. heat sealing means located adjacent the receiving means at a heatsealing work station, and

I. second means responsive to any shutdown condition in the wrappingmachine to move the heat sealing means away from the package in thereceiving means thereby preventing burning of the package.

2. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said cuttingmeans includes a first and second cutting means,

said first cutting means is for making a perforation in the web ofwrapping material before joining the strip and the web,

said perforation extending in a direction transverse to the direction ofmovement for the strip and web,

and said second cutting means is for making a pair of perforations whichcross the transverse perforations in the web of wrapping material,

said pair of perforations extending longitudinally with respect to thetear strip.

3. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 2 wherein said secondcutting means is located after the position where the tear strip isjoined to the web of wrapping material.

4. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 3 wherein said secondcutting means includes means to cut the tear strip at a distance awayfrom said transverse perforation.

5. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving meansincludes conveyor means to which said primary and auxiliary pushingmeans are attached.

6. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein the moving meanscauses the primary and auxiliary pushing means to travel in a forwarddirection behind the package and the primary pushing means is disposedto engage the following side of the package while moving into saidreceiving means,

said moving means includes means to change the direction of travel ofthe primary pushing means for allowing the auxiliary pushing means toengage the following side of the package for insuring said seating inthe receiving means.

7. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said moving meansincludes conveyor means to which said primary and auxiliary pushingmeans are attached.

8. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said receivingmeans comprises a turret wheel assembly having a plurality of pocketsfor receiving the packages.

9. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving meansincludes a pair of axially aligned spaced sprockets located adjacentsaid receiving means and endless chains passing around said sprockets,

said primary pushing means and said auxiliary pushing means consist of afirst transverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member,respectively,

said first and second pusher members being fixedly attached to theendless chains.

10. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 including a stationaryliquid applying device disposed adjacent the receiving means,

means for disposing a wrapper sheet across the advanced end and twosides of the package with both ends of the wrapper sheet projectingrearwardly from the receiving means,

said auxiliary pushing means being further effective to insure anadditional thorough application of liquid from the liquid applyingdevice.

11. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 10 wherein the movingmeans causes the primary and auxiliary pushing means to travel at aforward direction behind the package and the primary pushing means isdisposed to engage the following side of the package while moving intosaid receiving means,

said moving means includes means to change the direction of travel ofthe primary pushing means to press one of the projecting ends of thewrapper sheet across the liquid applying device and for allowingengagement of the auxiliary pushing means with the following side of thepackage to insure seating in the receiving means.

12. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said movingmeans includes a pair of axially aligned spaced sprockets locatedadjacent said receiving means,

endless chains passing around said sprockets, and

said primary pushing means in said auxiliary pushing means consist of afirst transverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member,respectively,

said first and second pusher members being fixedly attached to theendless chains.

13. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said receivingmeans comprises a turret wheel assembly having a plurality of pocketsfor receiving the packages.

14. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 13 wherein said receivingmeans includes a stationary platform located between the turret pocketsand against which platform the auxiliary pushing means folds theprojecting end of the wrapper sheet to which liquid is being applied.

15. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shiftingmeans includes roller means disposed on one of said opposite sides tofrictionally contact the wrapper sheet and means to adjust the alignmentof the roller means with respect to the direction of package movementthrough the machine.

16. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shiftingmeans includes roller means movably disposed on one of said oppositesides to frictionally contact the wrapper sheet and means located on theother of said opposite sides to provide a pressure between the packageand the roller means.

17. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 16 wherein said shiftingmeans includes means to adjust the alignment of the roller means withrespect to the direction of package movement through the machine.

18. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shiftingmeans includes a roller member comprised of a resilient material whichis effective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on thepackage and means to adjust the alignment of the roller member withrespect to the direction of package movement through the machine.

19. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 18 wherein said rollermember is cylindrical and has its longitudinal axis being disposedtransversely to the direction of travel for the package.

20. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 18 wherein said shiftingmeans includes a cylindrically shaped and movably mounted roller memberhaving its longitudinal axis extending transversely to the direction ofmovement for the package and means to adjust the axis of the rollermember with respect to said direction of movement.

2]. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 20 wherein said rollermember is comprised of a resilient material which is effective tofrictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and saidadjustment means includes control means to effect movement of the rollermember about its central axis and biasing means to provide a tensionforce to the movement of the roller member about its central axis.

22. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 21 wherein said shiftingmeans includes plate means being located on the side of the packageopposite said roller member to provide a pressure between the packageand the roller member.

23. in a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said movingmeans includes a package support means extending from the packagesupplying work station to the receiving means and said sensing means isdisposed at a location along the package support means.

24. in a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said sensingmeans includes a feeler member disposed adjacent the moving means totouch packages as they move from the package supplying work station tothe receiving means and said responsive means includes switch means tomaintain and stop electrical current to control operation of the movingmeans.

25. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensingmeans is disposed a location along the package support means to touchpackages as they move from the package supplying work station to thereceiving means and said responsive means includes a first switch meansadapted to be operated by said sensing means,

a movable cam surface, and second switch means adapted to be operated bysaid movable cam surface,

said first and second switch means being adapted to maintain and stopelectrical current to control the operation of the moving means.

26. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 25 wherein said camsurface is rotatably mounted on the wrapping machine and causes saidsecond switch means to open and close in synchronization with theopening and closing of said first switch means,

when at least one of said switch means is closed during normal packagefeed condition, said moving means continues to operate,

when both of said switch means are open during an abnormal package feedcondition, operation of said moving means is stopped.

27. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensingmeans is disposed at a location along the package support means to touchpackages as they move from the package supplying work station to thereceiving means and said responsive means includes an electrical circuitmeans for controlling said moving means, first switch means adapted tobe operated by said sensing means, a movable cam surface, and secondswitch means adapted to be operated by said movable cam surface,

said first and second switch means being electrically parallel in saidelectrical circuit means,

at least one of said switch means being adapted to maintain current flowin said electrical circuit means under normal package feed conditionsand both of said switch means being adapted to stop current flow in saidelectrical circuit means under abnonnal package feed conditions.

28. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 27 wherein which remainsenergized for a period of time sufficient to provide power to the heatsealing means whereby the heat sealing means moves away from the packagedisposed in said receiving means.

& i i k i

1. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising: a. cutting meansto form a slit configuration in a web of wrapping material, b. means forjoining a tear strip to the web of wrapping material, c. said slitconfiguration including two perforations extending longitudinally withrespect to the tear strip on either side thereof and a perforation thatcrosses the two longitudinal perforations, d. means for moving at leastone package in a forward direction of travel from a package supplyingwork station to a wrapper sheet applying work station, e. said movingmeans including primary pushing means and auxiliary pushing means, saidauxiliary pushing means being disposed behind said primary pushingmeans, f. means for receiving said package after a wrapper sheet hasbeen applied across the advanced end and two opposite sides of thepackage, g. said primary pushing means being effective to urge saidpackage into said receiving means and said auxiliary pushing means beingeffective to insure a firm seating of the package in place within saidreceiving means, h. means located at said sheet applying work stationfor shifting the position of the sheet of wrapping material after beingcontiguously placed on a package to effect the desired alignment thereofwith respect to the package, i. sensing means located before thereceiving means to detect an irregular package feed condition beingconveyed By said moving means, j. first means responsive to said sensingmeans to stop the moving of the packages into the receiving means, k.heat sealing means located adjacent the receiving means at a heatsealing work station, and l. second means responsive to any shutdowncondition in the wrapping machine to move the heat sealing means awayfrom the package in the receiving means thereby preventing burning ofthe package.
 2. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein saidcutting means includes a first and second cutting means, said firstcutting means is for making a perforation in the web of wrappingmaterial before joining the strip and the web, said perforationextending in a direction transverse to the direction of movement for thestrip and web, and said second cutting means is for making a pair ofperforations which cross the transverse perforations in the web ofwrapping material, said pair of perforations extending longitudinallywith respect to the tear strip.
 3. In a wrapping machine as defined inclaim 2 wherein said second cutting means is located after the positionwhere the tear strip is joined to the web of wrapping material.
 4. In awrapping machine as defined in claim 3 wherein said second cutting meansincludes means to cut the tear strip at a distance away from saidtransverse perforation.
 5. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1wherein said moving means includes conveyor means to which said primaryand auxiliary pushing means are attached.
 6. In a wrapping machine asdefined in claim 1 wherein the moving means causes the primary andauxiliary pushing means to travel in a forward direction behind thepackage and the primary pushing means is disposed to engage thefollowing side of the package while moving into said receiving means,said moving means includes means to change the direction of travel ofthe primary pushing means for allowing the auxiliary pushing means toengage the following side of the package for insuring said seating inthe receiving means.
 7. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6wherein said moving means includes conveyor means to which said primaryand auxiliary pushing means are attached.
 8. In a wrapping machine asdefined in claim 1 wherein said receiving means comprises a turret wheelassembly having a plurality of pockets for receiving the packages.
 9. Ina wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving meansincludes a pair of axially aligned spaced sprockets located adjacentsaid receiving means and endless chains passing around said sprockets,said primary pushing means and said auxiliary pushing means consist of afirst transverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member,respectively, said first and second pusher members being fixedlyattached to the endless chains.
 10. In a wrapping machine as defined inclaim 1 including a stationary liquid applying device disposed adjacentthe receiving means, means for disposing a wrapper sheet across theadvanced end and two sides of the package with both ends of the wrappersheet projecting rearwardly from the receiving means, said auxiliarypushing means being further effective to insure an additional thoroughapplication of liquid from the liquid applying device.
 11. In a wrappingmachine as defined in claim 10 wherein the moving means causes theprimary and auxiliary pushing means to travel at a forward directionbehind the package and the primary pushing means is disposed to engagethe following side of the package while moving into said receivingmeans, said moving means includes means to change the direction oftravel of the primary pushing means to press one of the projecting endsof the wrapper sheet across the liquid applying device and for allowingengagement of the auxiliary pushing means with the following side of thepackage to insure seating in the receiving means.
 12. In a wrappingmacHine as defined in claim 10 wherein said moving means includes a pairof axially aligned spaced sprockets located adjacent said receivingmeans, endless chains passing around said sprockets, and said primarypushing means in said auxiliary pushing means consist of a firsttransverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member,respectively, said first and second pusher members being fixedlyattached to the endless chains.
 13. In a wrapping machine as defined inclaim 10 wherein said receiving means comprises a turret wheel assemblyhaving a plurality of pockets for receiving the packages.
 14. In awrapping machine as defined in claim 13 wherein said receiving meansincludes a stationary platform located between the turret pockets andagainst which platform the auxiliary pushing means folds the projectingend of the wrapper sheet to which liquid is being applied.
 15. In awrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shifting meansincludes roller means disposed on one of said opposite sides tofrictionally contact the wrapper sheet and means to adjust the alignmentof the roller means with respect to the direction of package movementthrough the machine.
 16. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1wherein said shifting means includes roller means movably disposed onone of said opposite sides to frictionally contact the wrapper sheet andmeans located on the other of said opposite sides to provide a pressurebetween the package and the roller means.
 17. In a wrapping machine asdefined in claim 16 wherein said shifting means includes means to adjustthe alignment of the roller means with respect to the direction ofpackage movement through the machine.
 18. In a wrapping machine asdefined in claim 1 wherein said shifting means includes a roller membercomprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionallygrip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and means to adjust thealignment of the roller member with respect to the direction of packagemovement through the machine.
 19. In a wrapping machine as defined inclaim 18 wherein said roller member is cylindrical and has itslongitudinal axis being disposed transversely to the direction of travelfor the package.
 20. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 18wherein said shifting means includes a cylindrically shaped and movablymounted roller member having its longitudinal axis extendingtransversely to the direction of movement for the package and means toadjust the axis of the roller member with respect to said direction ofmovement.
 21. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 20 wherein saidroller member is comprised of a resilient material which is effective tofrictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and saidadjustment means includes control means to effect movement of the rollermember about its central axis and biasing means to provide a tensionforce to the movement of the roller member about its central axis. 22.In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 21 wherein said shifting meansincludes plate means being located on the side of the package oppositesaid roller member to provide a pressure between the package and theroller member.
 23. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid moving means includes a package support means extending from thepackage supplying work station to the receiving means and said sensingmeans is disposed at a location along the package support means.
 24. Ina wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensing meansincludes a feeler member disposed adjacent the moving means to touchpackages as they move from the package supplying work station to thereceiving means and said responsive means includes switch means tomaintain and stop electrical current to control operation of the movingmeans.
 25. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein saidsensing means is dIsposed a location along the package support means totouch packages as they move from the package supplying work station tothe receiving means and said responsive means includes a first switchmeans adapted to be operated by said sensing means, a movable camsurface, and second switch means adapted to be operated by said movablecam surface, said first and second switch means being adapted tomaintain and stop electrical current to control the operation of themoving means.
 26. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 25 whereinsaid cam surface is rotatably mounted on the wrapping machine and causessaid second switch means to open and close in synchronization with theopening and closing of said first switch means, when at least one ofsaid switch means is closed during normal package feed condition, saidmoving means continues to operate, when both of said switch means areopen during an abnormal package feed condition, operation of said movingmeans is stopped.
 27. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1wherein said sensing means is disposed at a location along the packagesupport means to touch packages as they move from the package supplyingwork station to the receiving means and said responsive means includesan electrical circuit means for controlling said moving means, firstswitch means adapted to be operated by said sensing means, a movable camsurface, and second switch means adapted to be operated by said movablecam surface, said first and second switch means being electricallyparallel in said electrical circuit means, at least one of said switchmeans being adapted to maintain current flow in said electrical circuitmeans under normal package feed conditions and both of said switch meansbeing adapted to stop current flow in said electrical circuit meansunder abnormal package feed conditions.
 28. In a wrapping machine asdefined in claim 27 wherein said cam surface is rotatably mounted on thewrapping machine and causes said second switch means to open and closein synchronization with the opening and closing of said first switchmeans.
 29. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein saidsecond responsive means includes a switch means which remains energizedfor a period of time sufficient to provide power to the heat sealingmeans whereby the heat sealing means moves away from the packagedisposed in said receiving means.